Mutadaffeq wins opener for Cromwell & Lordan

Versatile Mutadaffeq gained compensation for an unlucky run in last year's renewal of the two miles EquiNectar Handicap at the Curragh when winning this year's renewal today, for trainer Gavin Cromwell and jockey Wayne Lordan.

The son of New Approach won over fences at Clonmel on the day before lockdown (March 24) and was today completing the full-set of flat/hurdles/chase wins for his current trainer Cromwell, having previously won four times on the level for David O'Meara in England.

Following the gelding's seventh career success, Cromwell reported “I ran him in this race last year but he got trapped on the rail and never got a run.

“He's been in good old nick and obviously he won the last day, over fences in Clonmel.

“I thought he had an each-way chance coming here and I'm delighted with that.

“I thought he was going to be well beat and then thought he was going to win well and then he nearly got beat again!”

Quotes from Gary Carson